Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The thing to do
after you take a tour of the Jack Daniels Distillery, which is located
in Lynchburg about an hour south of Nashville, is have lunch at Miss
Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Situated just off the small-town village
square, the historic home is consistently praised for their traditional
southern food. Reservations are required for an 11am or a 1pm seating,
where in one of the many dining rooms guests enjoy a family style lunch.
The fried chicken and meatloaf being served that day were the best I
have ever had. The classic sides were expertly prepared - mac and
cheese, buttery baked potatoes, green beans with country relish, and their
famous apples stewed in Jack Daniels Whiskey along with crispy nuggets of fried okra. For dessert, a rich, gooey and slightly spicy chocolate
chess pie, topped with JD whipped cream. Miss Mary's was collectively
our favorite meal of the trip, and one of our favorite experiences
overall to boot.

Friday, May 23, 2014

The other night we had an awesome dinner at the bar at Del Frisco's Grille in Chestnut Hill, just outside the city. Everything we ate blew me away, starting with the addictive Blistered Shishito Peppers ($11) dusted in togarashi and yuzu (japanese chili pepper and citrus fruit, respectively.) We also noshed on cute little Ahi Tuna Tacos ($14) with avocado and spicy citrus mayo. The tuna was exceptionally fresh, and so were the crispy shells that cradled them. The cocktail pictured is a fun one - the Kilt Lifter ($11) offers well balanced sips of Hendrick's Gin and St Germain with a dash of tobascco and a splash of lemon.You won't find it on the menu but the New England Burger is being offered in honor of national burger month. A fried egg and succulent lobster meat are piled atop two flat patties over a fresh slice of tomato and a bed of crisp lettuce. While it sounds a little overwhelming and I even found myself questioningif I could handle all that food under one bun - the first bite and my fears were alleviated. It's surf and turf, burger style, and it rocks. High praise goes to the signature Steamed Brown Bag Fish ($22)
which comes with fork tender fingerling potatoes and veggies bathing in
butter, white wine and basil pesto. The brown bag really served to lock
in the flavors and kept the fish nice and moist. A side of Creamed Kale ($6.50) sprinkled with crusted Pistachios is terrific.

If all that wasn't enough, holy mother of Coconut Cream Pie($10.50).
An avalanche of cream and white chocolate shavings, this guy could have
fed the entire bar! Go big or go home? Seems to be a theme with this
meal. Thanks Del Frisco's!

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The king of meat and three, Arnold's is down-home country cooking at its finest. Cafeteria style service is super friendly, the staff greet you with smiles as they fill a bright red tray with classic, southern soul food. Choices vary daily from the likes of fried chicken, meat loaf, roast beef, sugar cured ham, country fried steak and numerous side specials - green beans and black eyed peas to creamed corn and stewed okra. The fried catfish was expertly breaded and achieved a perfect balance of crispy skin to flaky white meat. On the side, a couple hush puppies, a scoop of mac & cheese so thick and creamy you can feel it coating your ribs, and tender, tangy braised turnip greens. Dessert was a luscious, teeth achingly sweet banana pudding. Other favorites sampled from the girls plates - fried green tomatoes and the strawberry pie. Yes, this is definitely where you want to come for your lunchtime meat and three fix. (Open 10:30 - 2:30 on weekdays only!)

Monday, May 19, 2014

Husk is stunning. From the intricate white archways on the facade, to the neatly trimmed hedges in the garden, to the salt-glazed pottery plates which highlight ingredients sourced from neighboring states and local Tennessee farms.

With a commanding presence in quiet Rutledge Hill just a few blocks south of Broadway street, the historic brick building that served as the mayors home beginning in 1879 is now where James Beard award winning chef Sean Brock dishes up refined southern cuisine.